Animal advocacy group SAFE is hoping its annual appeal next week will make a big difference for animals in 2012. The appeal will raise the essential funds that enable SAFE to continue to effectively work on their behalf.13 December 2011

High Hopes for SAFE’s Christmas Appeal

Animal advocacy group SAFE is hoping its annual appeal next week will make a big difference for animals in 2012. The appeal will raise the essential funds that enable SAFE to continue to effectively work on their behalf. 2012 will be SAFE’s 80th year of defending animals, and the group is urging shoppers to look out for lions, pigs, hens and pandas with collection buckets on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December.

“SAFE has enjoyed many successes in recent years with significant progress made for thousands of animals. There has never been a better time to give generously to help SAFE help animals. We have grown so much, but our goals for helping animals are always far-reaching and they rely on public support to realise them,” says SAFE director Hans Kriek.

SAFE works on a wide range of animal welfare issues, for example the ‘Say No to Cages’ campaign that is challenging the horrific conditions that battery hens endure here in New Zealand. SAFE’s high-profile Love Pigs campaign, fronted by Mike King and Robyn Malcolm, led to the successful banning of sow crates. This year they were joined by Antonia Prebble, Jacqui Brown and Dean O Gorman who were all quick to show their support and their respect for animals. These celebrities added their voice to that of the many thousands of other New Zealanders who oppose animal cruelty.

2011 also saw SAFE launch the ‘SAFE Shopper’, an essential guide to products not tested on animals. During the election SAFE surveyed the animal welfare policies of the main parties, and set up a special ‘Party for the Animals’ to remind voters to think of those without a voice. The organisation is in a strong position to continue to make positive differences for abused animals in New Zealand. SAFE’s Christmas appeal is our most important fundraising event. Without the public’s help at this time of year, we cannot continue to effectively advocate for animals in the future,” explains Mr Kriek.

SAFE will hold its national annual street appeal this Friday and Saturday (16th/17th December). Over 1500 caring Kiwis in 47 cities and towns will don brightly coloured animal costumes to collect donations from the public. SAFE is hoping that this year’s appeal will raise a record total of $350,000. Money raised will be used to fund campaign initiatives and humane education projects in 2012.

“The support for SAFE this past year has shown more than ever that New Zealanders really care about animals and hate cruelty. The appeal will see communities from all over the country come together to show their compassion for animals. We hope the public will be generous to the animals this Christmas.”